The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
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